Views on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway

VIEWS

01 THE

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

& CARLISLE
RAILWAY

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

OCT IS

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555

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TO THE

CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTORS

OF THE

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE AND CARLISLE RAILWAY COMPANY,

TO WHOM

THE PROPRIETORS AND THE PUBLIC

ARE MUCH INDEBTED FOR THEIR ZEAL AND PERSEVERANCE IN FORWARDING THAT GREAT NATIONAL

AND LOCAL OBJECT,

THE FOLLOWING VIEWS
CONNECTED WITH THE SCENES OF THEIR LABOURS,

AND UNDERTAKEN AT THEIR SUGGESTION,

ARE WITH PERMISSION RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,

BY THEIR MUCH OBLIGED

AND OBEDIENT SERVANT,

JOHN BLACKMORE.

Neivcastle-on-Tyne, January, 1837.

ADDKKSS.

Tin-, following Engravings win it is hoped exhibit tolerably correel views of the delightfully
varied scenery and interesting Count rv through which the NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE and
CARLISLE RAILWAY passes, ami at the same time convey some idea of the magnitude of
the Works incurred in the construction of the Railway, particularly of those parts, a sighl of

which cannot lie very readily obtained by the Lnrouiotirr Traveller. The advantages Of the
above, and of Railways m general are now SO fully appreciated as to render any new facts that

can be adduced in their favour almost needless and uninteresting to the Public in general it
has therefore been considered unnecessary to accompany these views with copious descriptions

of the Railway OT their Localities until the completion of the works, when notices of a statistical
and Historical nature relating to the Junction of the Easl and West Coasts. \ ia. Newcastle and
Carlisle can be appended to the series Of Views for the information of those who may feel inter-
ested iii obtaining them. Suffice it for the present to saj that the satisfactory results obtained

since the opening Of those parts of theRailwa) alreads made exceed the expectations of the
most sanguine and render certain its ultimate sue

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"ftlAlNOM

THE RIVER-WALL AT WYLAM SCARS.

Thb River Wall at Wylam Scars, on the south bank of the Tyne, 9 miles from Newcastle,

is three quarters of a mile in length, and 2C> feet in height from the low water level to the top
of the Railway. It is built of rubble stone, quarried from the rocky scars above it. The Stiver
formerly flowed close up to the base of the Scars, which an- about 80 feel in height above the
Railway, and presented at one time, to all appearance, a formidable barrier to the formation of
a roadway. To the left of the view, or on the north side of the Tyne, is Wylam Colliery, be-
longing to Christ. Blackett, Esqr., and Wylam Ironworks, lately established by the Messrs.
Thompson. The Bridge in the distance was erected by subscription since the opening of this
part of the Railway, for the purpose of affording a ready communication from the latter to the
works above named, as well as for the accommodation of the public generally, it being suitable
for the passage of every description of vehicle, as well as for Railway waggons, it consists of
a Timber Roadway, with piers and abutments of stone, there are 9 openings of 40 feet span
each.

UNI.

THE DEPOT AT HEXHAM.

The Depot at Hexham, 21 Miles from Newcastle, is on the North-East side of the Town be-
tween two roads leading from it to the Bridge over the Tyne from which it is distant about 100
yards. Its scite was Garden Ground belonging to T. W. Beaumont, Esq., Lord of the Manor
of Hexham, and owner of Hexham Abbey, which as represented in the view stands to the
south of the Abbey Church, or old Cathedral, the latter being at once the Ornament and boast
of Hexham, and a most interesting object from the Antiquity of its structure and the number
of historical recollections associated with it. Hexham has long been celebrated for its Gardens
from which large quantities of Vegetables and Fruit are sent to Newcastle ; and also for its
Tanneries and Manufactories of Gloves, &c. Mackenzie in his History of Northumberland
says " if it had the benefit of Water Carriage it is well situated for Trade ; " this deficiency is
now amply supplied by the Railway, which affords great facilities for the conveyance of Pas-
sengers, and the transport of all articles connected with Manufactures and Commerce, Cattle
and Agricultural Produce.

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uNlVERSlTYTon^NO-S

. >

GELT BRIDGE.

The Oblique Bridge over the River Gelt, Cumberland, is 81 miles east from Carlisle. It
consists of 3 arches of 30 feet span each. The hne of the face of the Bridge being 27 degrees
from the right angle of the abutment. The centre arch is for the passage of the water, the side
arches are for passing over two roads communicating with the old Bridge in the foreground.
The Level of the Railway is about 56 feet above the road beneath it.

The Valley of the Gelt is thickly and beautifully wooded, and the bed of the River is composed
of red sand stone, which in many parts rises in steep and almost perpendicular masses above it,
on one of the latter, about lj miles north of the Railway Bridge, is the Roman Inscription, well
known to Antiquarians and others as "The Written Rock of Gelt."

It is in the domains of the Right Honourable the Earl of Carlisle, who is owner of the greater
part of the lands on each side of the Gelt for some miles.

Of THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

CARLISLE.

This view is taken from the South West side of the Town, and represents such of the ob-
jects of importance as can be seen from this part of the Railway, which is near where the con-
tinuation of the main hne from the principal depot at the London Road to the Canal Basin
crosses the valley of the River Caldew.

Carlisle has always been an object of interest with the traveller, from the beauty of the sur-
rounding country, and the many venerable relics of antiquity, it contains. Scott says in his
History of the Border Towers, " There are few cities in England which have been the scenes
of more momentous events than Carlisle. During those years when the borders of the two
countries were the theatre of the alternate triumph and defeat of both, it shared with suffer-
ing fidelity in the fierce contests of its warlike possessors ; and even at a later period, when
rebellion reared her bloody standard in the north. Carlisle was at once the witness of crime
and the scene of its punishment." In modern times since law has held its mild dominion in-
stead of the ferocious and turbulent supremacy of arms, Carlisle has fast risen into impor-
tance as a commercial and manufacturing town ; to the increase of its prosperity nothing
will more materially contribute than the formation of the Railway, which affords the means
of an abundant and cheap supply of fuel, &c. Amongst the most recent buildings for manu-
facturing purposes, the splendid and capacious Cotton Mill erected by the Messrs. Dixon,
(seen in the left of the view,) is the most deserving of notice. The chimney belonging to this
building is about 300 feet in height.

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WETHERAL BRIDGE.

WETHERAL BRIDGE consists of five semicircular arches of 80 feet span each ; the height
to the roadway is about 93 feet from the summer level of the river.

This bridge crosses the river Eden a little to the north of the villages of Wetheral and
Corby, at the head of a fertile vale, ( a commanding view of which is obtained from the
bridge, ) and where the rocky and steep, but well wooded banks of the Eden commence.

From the bridge looking south a most beautiful view is presented. On the right bank of the
river is seen the village of Wetheral, the church, and the remains of Wetheral Priory ; oppo-
site are the towering woods of Corby, in the midst of which, on the top of the precipice, but
scarcely seen through the luxuriant foliage, stands

" Corby's red castle bosoni'd high
" In natures sylvan majesty;"

the grounds of which have been so long justly celebrated for their delightful walks and en-
chanting scenery.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

CORBY VIADUCT.

Is situated a little to the east of the Wetheral Bridge, and north of the village of Corby. It
is composed of seven arches of forty feet span each, and about sixty feet high, crossing a
valley on the estate of Henry Howard, Esquire, of Corby Castle, whose carriage road to it and
the village of Corby passes under the centre arch.

The views from this Bridge are extremely rich and beautiful, although not possessing features
of so much grandeur as those from the Wetheral Bridge,

»«/»

THE COWRAN CUT.

This Cutting is situated west of the River Gelt, about 8 miles from Carlisle. It is nearly a
mile long. The deepest part is that which is walled at the foot of the slopes for a length of
half a mile : this part is one hundred and ten feet in depth. The walls are fourteen feet high.
A tunnel through this hill was at one time intended, hut that idea was abandoned after a suffi-
cient trial had been made, in consequence of the difficulties and expence likely to ensue from
the strength of the springs, and the looseness of the sand of which the hill is chiefly composed.

At the time this cutting was completed, it was considered to be the largest that had been
executed in England.

LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

NEW CASTLE-ON-TYNE.

The portion of Railway represented in the foreground of tins view is on the south side of
the Tyne, and is a branch from the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway of about 3§ miles in length.
It departs from the main line at Blaydon, and terminates at Redheugh Quay, where it is joined
by the Brandling Junction Railway, which after passing through Gateshead, will communicate
with South Shields and Sunderland.

This branch will be used principally for the conveyance of Coals from the Collieries, west
of Newcastle, on the south side of the Tyne.

of ™£v ,. nnO»S

PRUDIIOE CASTLE AND OVINGIIAM.

The earliest possessors of Prudhoe Castle, on record, were the Umfranvilles who came to
England with William the Conqueror, and whose descendants are so fully spoken of in the
Histories of Northumberland ; but it was doubtless a strong hold long before the time of the
above, and is supposed by Camden to have been the Procolita of the Romans. It is also famed
for the successful resistance made in the reign of Henry the Second, by its then possessors,
against the incursions of William, King of Scotland.

The Castle, and the low ground or Haughs which intervene between it and the River Tyne,
are the property of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland.

The Railway is here raised by an embankment about H mile in length and averaging nine
feet high above the level of the Haughs, which are bounded on the south by steep and well
wooded banks.

Prudhoe Castle is about 10 miles west of Newcastle, and in the Parish of Ovingham, which
extends to both sides of the River.

On the north bank is the pleasant village of Ovingham, in which the parish church is situate.

Then- is a ford and ferry boat here.

WARDEN BRIDGE,

Warden Bridge is about two miles west of Hexham; it crosses the river in an oblique di-
rection, and consists of five openings of fifty feet span each. The piers are of stone, and the
superstructure or road-way of timber. By means of this Bridge the Railway is carried over
the South Tyne about 250 yards above its confluence with the North Tyne.

The Suspension Bridge in the distance, built for the purposes of the turnpike road, is some-
ti mes called the West Boat Bridge, after an old ferry, named " The West Boat," for which
this bridge is a substitute.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

HELL BECK EMBANKMENT.

The Beck or rivulet called Hell Beck, flows through a deep ravine, the steep sides of which
were at one time barren and dreary, but the scenery is now extremely beautiful, having been
thickly planted with trees by the Earl of Carlisle, the noble owner of the Baronry of Gilsland,
in which it is situate.

The Railway Embankment at this place is about 70 feet above the bed of the stream, which
joins the River Gelt about half a mile below this point; near the junction is the " Old Quarry,"
on the rocks of which is the Roman inscription, mentioned in the notice of Gelt Bridge.

Hell Beck Embankment is 9i miles east from Carlisle.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

RIDLEY HALL,
FROM NEAR BARDON MILLS.

This view will convey some idea of the nature of the scenery, through which the railway
passes, in its course along that part of the vale of the south Tyne extending for 7 miles west of
Haydon bridge.

Ridley Hall stands on a beautifully wooded eminence, near to, and west of the junction of
the river Allen with the Tyne. The prospect from the house is extremely fine in every direc-
tion : that from the south side of the house looking upon the rocky and precipitous banks of
the Allen, well clothed with wood, is at once grand and romantic ; in short a more delightful si-
tuation for a residence can scarcely be found.

Ridley Hall is now the seat of John Davidson, Esq. : it takes its name from the Ridleys of
Willimoteswick, a castle now in ruins about 1| mile west of Ridley Hall, and on the same side
of the Tyne, where the celebrated Bishop Ridley was bom, about the commencement of the six-
teenth century. Sir M. W. Ridley, Bait, of Blagdon, is a lineal descendant of the above family.

A little to the west of Ridley Hall on the right in the view, stands the ancient chapel of Bel-
tingham, opposite to which, on the north side of the ruin, is the village of Bardon Mills, where
the Railway Company have formed a station for the convenience of the district.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

ROSE HILL.-GILSLAND.

Is situated near to, and on the eastern side of Poltross Burn, which divides the counties of
Northumberland and Cumberland. The Railway Station House, on the right of the view, is in
the former county, and is distant about 17 miles from Carlisle. The Bridge along which the
Railway is carried over Poltross Burn, is 50 feet in height above the level of the water. About
a furlong below this Bridge the burn joins the River Irthing. Close to the junction is a small
house called Mumps Hall, to which Sir Walter Scott, in his novel of Guy Mannering, has given
celebrity : the top of the house is seen in the left of the view. On the eminence above it, a little
to the right, but on the north bank of the Irthing, is Orchard House, the seat of George Shad-
forth, Esq. On the west side of the steep and rocky banks of the Irthing, about 1 1 mile to the
north of the station-house, are the celebrated sulphur and chalybeate spas of Gilsland. The
spacious hotel, sometimes called the Shaws, is most pleasantly situated on the top of a well-
wooded bank, the wells or springs issue from the rocks immediately below the hotel, and plea-
sant walks are formed through the woods, leading to the springs, for the accommodation of the
numerous visitors. From the salubrity of the air, the much esteemed medicinal properties of
its waters, and the great picturesque beauty of its position, combined with the rapidity and ease
afforded by the Railway, of communicating with distant places, Gilsland is becoming one of the
most favourite inland resorts in the northern counties. To the admirers of antiquarian research
its neighbourhood offers many interesting objects, being situated near the site of the Roman
Wall. About If to the westward is Burdoswald, a Roman station : at the same distance east-
ward stands the old border tower called Thirlwall Castle, a dark and melancholy fortress, now
much in ruins. About a mile further to the east is the village of Glenwhelt, on the north-east side
of which is the Roman station called Cacrvoran : the ramparts and ditch are still discernible.

LIBRARY

OF THE
UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

BLENKINSOPP HALL,

The seat of Hospitality and of Colonel John Blenkinsopp Coulson, is situated about three
quarters of a mile north of the Railway. The grounds in front of the hall are laid out with great
taste ; they are bounded on the south by the river Tippal, which at this place runs nearly
parallel with, and separates them from the Railway.

The first bridge in the view, is for the turnpike road, which has here been diverted - from its
original site, for the purposes of the Railway. The second is the Railway Bridge, throutrb
the arch of which, in the distance, is seen the old turnpike road bridge. From the hall looking
southward is a view of Bellister Castle, now a mass of ruins, over-shadowed by some very fine
sycamore trees. It was the seat of a younger branch of the Blenkinsopps. About a mile to the
westward of the hall, on the south side of the railway, is an extensive Colliery, belonging to
Colonel Coulson, but leased to a company of Gentlemen, under the title of the Blenkinsopp Coal
Company. The coals from this Colliery are of a superior quality, and are conveyed in large
quantities a distance of 20 miles by the Railway to Carlisle, for the supply of the town, and for
shipment to various places on the west coast, and to several ports in Ireland. On a little emi-
nence immediately south of the Colliery, is Blenkinsopp Castle, now much in ruins, but a part
of it has been made habitable, and is occupied by an agent to the Colliery. It was the ancient
seat of the Blenkinsopps, well known in former times by their border feuds. The stones of
which it has been built, are supposed to have been removed from one of the Roman stations in
the vicinitv.

LIBRARY

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WEST END OF HALTWHISTLE TUNNEL.

This Tunnel is 200 yards long, running under the turnpike-road and through a hill, at a point
called Whitchester. A little to the west of the tunnel, the Railway occupies part of the bed of
the river Tyne, which was there filled up and an embankment formed, the south side of which,
next the river, is protected by a facing of stone from the scouring of the floods. In order to
divert the turnpike-road to the north of the Railway, a cutting through rock, 50 feet deep, was
rendered necessary at this place.

On the south bank of the Tyne is seen Unthank Hall, now the seat of Dixon Dixon, Esq., by
whom it has been lately purchased and much improved. It is most beautifully situated, and
commands interesting views both up and down the river,.

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UNI VERSIlVS ILLINOIS

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE,

FROM BEDIIEUGH STATION.

This view is taken from Redheugh on the south bank of the Tyne, immediately above
one of the Depots of the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, and where it unites with the Brandling
Junction Railway, which communicates with Gateshead, South Shields, and Sunderland. Rail-
way Passengers are at present conveyed to and from Newcastle by Steam Boats to a station near
the bridge, on the opposite shore to this Depot ; but this mode of transit is only a temporary
expedient, and will be unnecessary when the si;ition, which is now in the course of formation to
the west of the Infirmary at Newcastle, is completed, to reach which the Tyne will be crossed by
bridge at Scotswood, as represented in the following view.

A view of Newcastle in some respects similar to the present one, but taken at a
greater distance, was given in a former plate ; after various attempts to obtain a different
view, it was found that none presented so good an outline of the characteristic features of the
town as the view from Redheugh.

To the left in the view is the Infirmary ; next, St. Nicholas Church, so justly celebra-
ted for the beauty of its spire ; the Castle from which the town is supposed to have derived its
name ; the Moot Hall or County Courts ; All Saints Church ; the Tyne Bridge, and part of
Gateshead, are all seen to great advantage.

°*'^>

of'L,

'*Olt

SCOTSWOOD BRIDGE,

LOOKING EAST.

The main line of Railway to Newcastle will cross the River Tyne at Scotswood, about 3±
miles from Newcastle. The bridge consists of eleven openings or arches, of 60 feet span each,
and in height about 30 feet above low water mark. This hne of Railway will lead to a spa-
cious Depot in Newcastle, now in the course of forming.

To the right in the view is the Scotswood Paper Mill, and in the back ground a suspension
.Bridge, erected for the purposes of the Turnpike Road.

ly°r,LL

'»oi*

BYWELL.

The most prominent object in this view is the New Bridge of stone across the River
Tyne, consisting of 5 arches of 45 feet span each, built at the expence of T. W. Beaumont.
Esquire, the munificent proprietor of By well, who with that liberality for which he is so much
distinguished, has declared his intention of allowing a free passage over it to the public ; it will
be of great use to the surrounding district as well as the county generally, as the only means of
crossing at present with horses is by a ford above the dam, which is frequently impassable. A
road is now forming from the south end of the bridge to lead to the Railway Depot at Stocksfield,
and also to the Hexham Turnpike Road.

About 100 yards above the new bridge stood the remains of an ancient bridge. The portion
left consisted of part of two piers, which were removed when the new bridge was commenced,
as they caused an obstruction to the current of the river. There is no record of the date of the
erection of this bridge. The superstructure is supposed to have been of timber.

To the west of the bridge is seen the old Baronial Castle of By well, and in the distance arc
seen the Two Churches and the Mansion House. There is so much variety and beauty in the
scenery about Bywell, as to render it one of the most interesting points near the line of Railway.

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UN'^s,°//^LL(NOIS

DILSTON.

Dilston, formerly the seat of the Earl of Derwentwater, is the most beautiful situation on the
whole of the confiscated estates of that unfortunate nobleman. The estates, as is well known,
are now the property of Greenwich Hospital. The old Tower (as seen in the view) part of the
Baronial seat of the Devilstones, still remains, but the mansion of the Derwentwater family, which
stood in the midst of trees on the edge of the steep banks, has been entirely pulled down. A
neat house, which has lately been built as a residence for the chief agent and receiver of the
Hospital estates, now forms one of the most prominent objects of view from the Railway. In
the distance is the ancient town Corbridge, and the old bridge over the Tyne, consisting of seven
Arches. Dilston is about 3 miles east from Hexham.

LIBRARY
UNIVERSITV™f ILLINOIS

ALLERWASH, OR FOURSTONES.

This view is taken from the hill side, north of the engine used for pumping water from a
Colliery in the Neighbourhood, and near which the Railway Company have made a station call-
ed Fourstones Station, it being the most convenient point for communicating with the north
Tyne district. At Fourstones and Allerwash, about a mile to the west of it, are extensive Kilns
for burning lime, the stone for which abounds in this neighboorhood and is of most excellent qual-
ity. Large quantities of lime and hme-stone are sent by the Railway from these points to various
places between this and Newcastle, from which it is distant 24 miles.

This township takes its name from being bounded by Four Stones, supposed to have been
set. up for some religious purpose. It is all the property of Greenwich Hospital.

IIAYDON BRIDGE.

At Haydon Bridge an extensive station has been formed by the Railway Company, as it
is the most convenient point of communication with Alston and other lead mining districts. All
the lead brought by carts from the Smelt Mills to be conveyed by the Railway to Newcastle, is
deposited here, as also the various supplies for the use of the mines.

It is a remarkably pleasant and healthy situation. The villiage is divided into two por-
tions by the Tyne, which is crossed by a bridge of six arches. On the south side is the princi-
pal Inn, and the Free Grammar School ; the Chapel is on the north side. It is about 28 miles
from Newcastle, and 32 from Carlisle. The greater part of the houses and land belong to
Greenwich Hospital.

LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY^ ILLINOIS

HALTWHISTLE.

LOOKING WEST.

The Railway, as represented in this view, passes over the low ground or haughs south of
the town, and between it and the river Tyne, by an embankment about 1 mile in length and 16 feet
high. On the right in the view is the Castle Banks, an eminence of an oval figure. The crown of
the hill bears remains of a breastwork of earth, formed no doubt for purposes of defence : from
it is obtained a fine view of the surrounding district. The Church is supposed to be very ancient
a great part of it being in the Gothic style, and the town presents the remains of several turret-
ted buildings used as places of security during the times of the Border Feuds. The parish of
Haltwhistle is very extensive and comprehends a tract of country amounting nearly to 1-10
square miles.

There is abundance of Coal and Lime-stone of good quality near the town, which from the
facilities of carriage afforded by the Railway, will no doubt be extensively worked. A handsome
Station House has been erected here by the Railway Company, which is very convenient for the
town and neighbourhood, as well as to the district on the south side of the river Tyne, being near
to a wooden bridge built over it by subscription about 12 years ago. Haltwhistle is about 37

miles from Newcastle and 22 miles from Carlisle.

UNl^S,°TFyTHJ

ILUH0IS

flft-' ■ " i ?"'

CARLISLE.

FROM THE NORTH EAST.

The previous view of Carlisle giving only an idea of the town with regard to its position
from the Railway, it was thought desirable to present another from a point which commands a
better view of its leading features.

To the right is the bridge over the river Eden, erected in 1812 from a design by Sir R.
Smirke, above which is the Castle, part of which was built by William Rufus. The Cathedral, a
venerable structure, stands nearly in the centre of this view, and to the left are seen the Jail
and the County Courts, where the assizes are held twice a year.

Skiddaw, Saddleback, Helvellyn, and other lofty mountains of the lake district of Cum-
berland and Westmorland, rise in the distance. On the low ground on the south side of the
river, called the Swifts, races are annually held.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS UBBANA

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